Pest identification
What's eating my pontederia cordata?
Aphids
Signs: Dense colonies on flower spikes and undersides of leaves; honeydew promotes sooty mould
Control: Blast off with a water jet (effective near ponds without chemical risk). Introduce ladybirds. Use insecticidal soap away from open water.
Water lily beetle / pond leaf-grazing beetles
Signs: Small blisters or brown grazing scars on leaf surfaces; larvae feed on floating and emergent leaves
Control: Spray foliage with a forceful hose to knock larvae into the water where fish eat them. Remove heavily damaged leaves.
Waterfowl (ducks, geese)
Signs: Uprooting of shallow-planted rhizomes; grazing of new shoots at the waterline
Control: Plant deeper or protect newly establishing clumps with temporary wire mesh baskets until roots anchor firmly.
Keep pontederia cordata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pontederia cordata pests — FAQ
What is eating my pontederia cordata?
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) is most commonly attacked by aphids that cluster on stems and flower spikes. Water lily beetles and caterpillars graze foliage in some regions. Ducks and waterfowl may uproot shallow plantings, and snails graze on emergent leaves at the water's edge.
How do I get rid of aphids on pontederia cordata?
Dense colonies on flower spikes and undersides of leaves; honeydew promotes sooty mould Blast off with a water jet (effective near ponds without chemical risk). Introduce ladybirds. Use insecticidal soap away from open water.
How do I get rid of water lily beetle / pond leaf-grazing beetles on pontederia cordata?
Small blisters or brown grazing scars on leaf surfaces; larvae feed on floating and emergent leaves Spray foliage with a forceful hose to knock larvae into the water where fish eat them. Remove heavily damaged leaves.
How do I get rid of waterfowl (ducks, geese) on pontederia cordata?
Uprooting of shallow-planted rhizomes; grazing of new shoots at the waterline Plant deeper or protect newly establishing clumps with temporary wire mesh baskets until roots anchor firmly.